Chairboys back MNDA

12 April 2013

Wanderers will be showing their support for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) at Adams Park tomorrow afternoon (Saturday).

Gareth Ainsworth’s squad are raising awareness by wearing MNDA t-shirts as they warm up ahead of the Aldershot game, while fans can play their part by making a donation to one of the collectors situated towards the front gates of the stadium.

The South Bucks branch of the association, which is aimed at helping support sufferers and their families in the local area, were pleased that Richard Dawson from High Wycombe joined the branch as PR officer in 2012. Richard has been fundraising for MND since he lost his father in 2001 - he and his family have baked, ran, swam, auctioned and walked to raise both funds and awareness.

The Branch's latest idea is the Big MND Race 2013 which will see two teams take on different challenges with the aim of raising £50k. The first team will drive north to Ben Nevis in the MaNDy taxi, while the second team saddle up and cycle south to Snowdon. The winners will be the ones who get to their mountain, climb and return by taxi or pedal power to Liverpool first!

Mr Dawson said: “My dad’s passing not only shaped my life but that of my mother Sandra and brothers Michael and Andrew.

“As a family we have not stood still since our dad passed away, with the one aim of raising awareness and funds for the MNDA. My motto is if you are able and can do it – then do it! I have seen first-hand how MND can cut lives short so don’t put off what you can do today.

“Following the success of our Three Peaks Challenge in June 2012, I knew the next challenge had to be something different and off the wall, so in September I purchased a Black London Taxi that has been named MaNDy.

“My motivation behind the taxi is to create national awareness by creating a visual icon that will carry the MND colours and logo and be part of something quite mad. A close family friend Stephen Kay was looking to plan a cycle challenge in 2013 so we thought why not combine the two and add an element of healthy competition. The Big MND Race was born!”